Weeks 7 and 8 Hobart and Bruny Island

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Hobart is a wonderful city. I spent some time living here a few years ago and didn't realise I missed it until I returned. It is not only beautiful with Mt Wellington rising up behind it, many parks, fountains, street sculpture, heritage buildings and a harbour full of yachts but it has a good café culture as well.

Spending time with friends was exactly what I needed. Just hanging out with new and old friends talking about anything and everything, drinking coffee, wine, eating homemade meals or eating out, sharing chocolate and not thinking about how far I need to walk that day or the weather forecast. It has been great. I perfect midway break.

I have been thinking about my sponsors and supporters a bit lately and how grateful I am for all their valuable help. With christmas coming up quickly I thought I would put on links to their websites and bit of a description of who they are so you can help me show my appreciation by seeing if they have a suitable gift for someone you know.

Ocean Guardians are a business started from a passion to protect our oceans. It is a place to learn about the oceans and how to help conserve them. In recent years they have started branching out with printing and embroidery and are preparing to publish a magazine about people who are making a difference in the world. They have some great designs for clothing and accessories but you will need to get your christmas order in soon to beat the rush.

ExplorOz is Australia's leading online touring website with a comprehensive online shop for touring around this big land by any means specialising in camping, caravanning and 4WDing. There is also a forum, trip notes, maps, places of interest, event calendar, blogs, memberships and much more.

Columbia Australia may not know just how important their help has been. Their boots and clothing, provided at half price are reliable and comfortable, especially the Daska Pass boots which are awesome. They have functional active outdoor clothing, footwear and accessories in the latest fabric technologies so drop by a store and get a gift for someone special or yourself.

Wilderness Sports are an outdoor equipment store with all your camping, hiking, XCountry, telemarking and snowshoe needs. The shop is in Jindabyne, convenient for starting your treks through the NSW Alps and getting expert advice. There is also an online shop with the best quality gear for your next adventure.

Once again I have had perfect weather showcasing more of Tasmania's gems. The day I walked down Mt Wellington was perfect and I took lots of pictures of the spring wildflowers. Bruny Island was wet and windy some days but mostly sunny so each day revealed more beautiful places. I have been meeting many wonderful people and look forward to returning to catch up again. Maybe even a Bruny Island Bird Week.

I tried my hand at baby photography this week while at Jan’s. Her son Lachie was a great model, no tears or screams. It was fun. Maybe something to do when I finish all this walking.

Sometimes it is good to have a plan for the future, something to look forward to. It helps to keep you focused and stop you getting too lost on the way through life. I have lots of plans so I have to live many more years to fulfil them, hahahaha!

Tomorrow I will be back on the road again walking to Derwent Bridge, catching a ride to past the narrow windy bits to Queenstown then the Wilderness Rail to Strahan before making my way up the west coast away from the roads and townships. I hope to reach Stanley before December so the last 2 weeks in Tasmania can be very relaxed and easy paced.

I will try and write a blog next week but no promises. I do promise more photos of this gorgeous state.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Terra